If you took your house off the market in late 2024, you’re not the only one. Newsweek reports that data from CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December alone – that’s more than any other December going back to 2017 (see graph below):

Whether it was because offers weren’t coming in, the timing around the holidays felt overwhelming, or they wanted to see if the market would improve in the new year – many other homeowners decided to press pause, too.

But now, with spring fast approaching, it’s time to reassess. The market is already picking up, and waiting longer to jump back in may only mean you’d face more competition from other sellers.

Why Now Could Be the Right Time 

Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains that some of those sellers may have pulled their listings late last year to try again this spring:

“Another reason for a step back could be that sellers wanted to wait and see how spring home buying season goes, and if mortgage rates fall, which would bring more home buyers and competition back in the market.”

That’s because buyer demand is typically at its highest point in spring. More people start their home search once the weather warms up. They’re eager to close on a home so they can move in during the summer. So, it’s an excellent window for sellers. It means more buyers.

And while mortgage rates haven’t fallen dramatically, they have come down in recent weeks. Early signs already show buyers are becoming more active as a result. Demand has increased since January, which should continue as spring draws closer.

What To Do Differently This Time

Start by checking the status of your listing agreement. Because even if you pulled your listing, you may still be under contract. Until your listing expires, your agent or brokerage is your best resource for what else you could try to sell. Realtor.com offers this advice:

“If you aren’t sure of the status of your listing, whether active, expired, or withdrawn, take a look at your listing agreement and talk to your real estate agent.”

If your contract is still active, now’s the perfect time to reconnect with your agent to explore strategies to get your home sold this time around. If your contract has expired and you’re considering other options, contact a trusted real estate professional who can help you figure out where to go.

Either way, take some time to reflect on your last experience. What held you back from getting it sold before? And what can you do to improve your chances this time around?

Be sure to include your current agent in this thought process. They’ll give you an objective point of view and some advice based on what may have gone wrong last time, like:

• Your Pricing Strategy: Did buyers overlook your house because it was priced too high? Your real estate agent can help you analyze your area’s latest sales to ensure you hit the correct number. Believe it or not, you could be leaving money on the table by not pricing competitively when your house is priced appropriately for the market, your opportunities for multiple offers and buyer competition increase.
• Your Marketing Approach: Was your home staged to look its best? Did you use a skilled photographer for your listing photos? Minor tweaks can make a big difference in how buyers see your house. Something as simple as taking new photos now that it’s spring can help your home show better than in the winter listing.
• Offering Concessions: Were you willing to offer incentives to buyers? As the supply of homes for sale grows, more sellers are entertaining the idea of concessions or incentives to get the deal done. If you weren’t open to those conversations, that may have been a factor, too.
• Showings and Flexibility: Did you limit when buyers could see the home? If your house is accessible and available, you’ll likely get more offers.

Bottom Line

Spring may be your second chance if your house didn’t sell last year. With buyer activity rising, it’s the perfect time to talk to an agent about returning to the market with a fresh strategy.

What do you want to do differently this time around? Talk to your agent to go over your options and make a plan.

Want to know two reasons this spring might finally be your time to buy? Inventory has grown, and sellers may be more willing to negotiate. That means you’ve got more options and power than buyers have had in years. Let’s break it down.

1. You Have More Homes To Choose From

The number of homes for sale this February was higher than in any of the past five Februarys – and that’s great news for your home search. The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show the supply of homes on the market has grown by 27.5% in just the last year:

More choices for your search is a good thing – and experts also say that inventory is projected to continue rising this year, which is even better. It means finding something that checks your most important boxes should be easier. But that’s not all this does for you. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains some of the other perks of more inventory beyond just having more homes to consider:

“Buyers will not only have more home options . . . but they are also likely to find somewhat lower asking prices and more time to make decisions – all buyer-friendly factors as we inch closer to the busy homebuying season.”

2. You May Find Sellers Are Doing Price Cuts

Now that buyers have more options, some homes are sitting on the market a little longer—especially those that were priced too high from the start. As a result, more sellers are having to drop their prices to draw buyers back in. Just take a look at the numbers.

According to Realtor.com, the number of listings with price reductions has gone up compared to the last few years (see graph below):

This is a sign sellers are more willing to compromise today. If you look back to more normal years in the market (2017–2019), you’ll see that the number of price cuts happening today is much closer to what’s typical – and for most buyers, that’s a significant relief.

What does that mean for you? It could give you a better chance to negotiate – whether that’s on price, closing costs, or even repairs. While not every seller will adjust their price, more are willing to do it – giving you more leverage than buyers have in quite a while.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been on the sidelines, waiting for the right time to buy, this spring could be the opening you’ve been hoping for.

Of course, every market is different, and working with a local expert can help you work through your options. If you want to talk about what’s happening in our area or get started on your home search, let’s connect.

How does today’s rising inventory impact your homebuying plans?

For years, sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market. With so few homes for sale and so many people wanting to purchase them, buyers faced tough competition to accept an offer. But now, inventory is rising, and things are starting to shift in many areas.

So, is the market finally balancing out? And does that mean buyers will have it a bit easier now? Here’s what you need to know.

What Makes It a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market?

It all comes down to how many homes are for sale in an area compared to how many buyers want to buy there. The number of homes for sale ultimately determines who has the most leverage.

• A Seller’s Market occurs when there are more buyers than homes available, so sellers hold the power. This leads to rising prices, multiple offers, and homes selling quickly—often above the asking price—because there isn’t enough to go around.
• A Buyer’s Market occurs when there are more homes than buyers. In this case, the tables turn. Sellers may have to offer concessions and incentives or negotiate more to close a deal. That’s because buyers have more choices and can take their time making decisions.

You can see this play out over time using data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the graph below:

Where the Market Stands Now

While it’s still a seller’s market in many places, buyers in specific locations have more leverage than in previous years. And that’s thanks to how much inventory has grown lately. As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, explains:

“Among the nation’s 200 largest metro area housing markets, 41 markets ended January 2025 with more active homes for sale than they had in pre-pandemic January 2019. These are the places where homebuyers will be able to find the most leverage or market balance in 2025.”

Here’s a look at some of the strongest seller’s markets and buyer’s markets today, according to that research:

Do you know how to adjust your plans based on who’s got the most negotiating power? Because an agent does.

Clever strategies can make buying in a seller’s market easier – and vice versa. That’s precisely why you need to hire a pro. A local real estate agent knows their market like the back of their hand. They’re super familiar with the supply and demand balance and how to help their clients get a deal done either way. So, as long as you have a skilled pro by your side, it doesn’t matter if your town is on the list.

With their expertise, you can plan ahead and buy (or sell) no matter the market’s conditions.

Bottom Line

With inventory rising, the market may be starting to balance out – but it all depends on where you want to buy or sell.

Are you wondering if buyers or sellers have the upper hand in our area? Let’s connect so you can find out.

Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be honest – it can also feel overwhelming. It’s a big step, and with that comes plenty of questions. Am I making the right decision? Can I afford this right now? Will I be able to make ends meet if I have unexpected repairs? What if I lose my job?

Here’s the thing: Every first-time homebuyer has these thoughts.

Home-buying has always been a mix of excitement and nerves, and that’s completely normal. Here’s some information that can give you some perspective so you don’t have these concerns.

Focus on What You Can Control

Since homeownership is new to you, you probably feel it’s hard to know what to budget for. And that can be a bit scary. You’ll have the mortgage, home insurance, and maintenance to think about – maybe even lawn care or homeowner’s association (HOA) fees. It’s easy to let the dollar signs be overwhelming. As Zillow says:

“Buying a house is a big decision, and you might feel confused and indecisive as you assess your current financial situation and try to work through whether or not the timing is right. Making big life choices might come with some self-doubt, but crunching the numbers and thinking about what you want your life to look like will help guide you down the right path.”

The important thing is to focus on what you can control. By partnering with a local agent and a trusted lender, you can clearly understand what you can borrow for your home loan, what your monthly payment would be, and how your mortgage rate can impact it. Since that payment will likely be your biggest recurring expense, ensuring the number works for you is key.

Don’t Stress About Repairs

The maintenance and repairs? Those can be a little bit harder to anticipate. But don’t forget you’ll get an inspection during the home-buying process to give you a better look at the condition of your future house. And with your inspection report, you’ll have a good idea of what needs work. This way, you can save up to be ready if and when something breaks.

But even then, if this is still nagging at you, talk to your agent about asking the seller to throw in a home warranty. Those can cover repairs for some of the more significant systems in the house, like the HVAC, if they break within a specific time frame. While this isn’t a massive expense for the seller, the likelihood of a seller agreeing to one depends on what’s happening in your local market and how competitive it is.

It’s Okay To Stretch – Just Not Too Far

And remember, chances are that money will be a little tight – at least at first. And that’s kind of to be expected. When someone buys their first home, they often cut down on things like shopping and eating out for a while until they get a better idea of how their expenses will shake out in the new home.

But it’s a sign you’d be stretching yourself too far if you’re crunching the numbers, and you won’t have enough money left for things like gas, food, etc.. The last thing you want is to take on a payment that’s too much to handle. But stretching a little? That’s different. That’s normal.

Your Job Will Probably Change – And That’s Okay

And don’t forget, you’ll likely earn more down the road, so that slight stretch now won’t seem so bad as time wears on. As you advance in your career, you’ll probably start making more money. So, as your paycheck grows, the payments will get easier. Renting is a short-term option – one you deserve to get out of. Buying a home is a long-term play.

And just in case you’re worried about what happens if you lose your job, you should know there are options, like forbearance, designed to help you temporarily pause payments on your home loan due to hardship.

Bottom Line

Buying your first home is a big decision, and feeling a little nervous about it is okay. But if you’re financially ready, don’t let fear keep you from moving forward. These emotions are expected, and great agents help buyers get through them.

What makes you nervous when you think about buying your first home?

Let’s connect so you have an expert to explain everything.

If you’ve been holding off on buying a home because of high mortgage rates, you might want to take another look at the market. That’s because mortgage rates have been trending down lately, giving you a chance to jump back in.

According to data from Freddie Mac, mortgage rates have been declining for seven straight weeks. The average weekly rate is now at the lowest level so far this year (see graph below):

While that may not sound like a significant shift, it is noteworthy. The meaningful drop from over 7% to the mid-6s can change your mindset when buying a home. Especially when the forecasts said we wouldn’t hit this number until roughly Q3 of this year (see graph below):

Why Are Rates Coming Down?

According to Joel Kan, VP and Deputy Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), recent economic uncertainty is playing a role in pushing rates lower:

“Mortgage rates declined last week on souring consumer sentiment regarding the economy and increasing uncertainty over the impact of new tariffs levied on imported goods into the U.S. Those factors resulted in the largest weekly decline in the 30-year fixed rate since November 2024.”

The timing of this recent decline is excellent because it gives you a little relief going into the spring market. Remember, mortgage rates can be a quickly moving target, so you should expect some volatility. But the window you have as they’re coming down right now might be the sweet spot for your purchasing power.

What Lower Rates Mean for Your Buying Power

Even small changes in rates can make a difference to your monthly payment. Here’s how the math shakes out. The chart below shows what a monthly payment (principal and interest) would look like on a $400K home loan if you purchased a house when rates were 7.04% back in mid-January (this year’s mortgage rate high), versus what it could look like if you buy a home now (see below):

In just weeks, the anticipated payment on a $400K loan has come down by over $100 monthly. That’s a significant savings. When you’re making a decision as big as buying a home, every bit counts.

Just remember, shifts in the economy drove rates down faster than expected. But that can change, making rates volatile in the days and months ahead. So, if you’re waiting for rates to fall further before you buy, think hard about the current window of opportunity if you’re ready to act.

Bottom Line

Mortgage rates have dipped, giving buyers a bit more immediate breathing room. This could be your window if you’ve been waiting for rates to ease before jumping in.

Would a lower monthly payment make buying a home feel more doable? Let’s break down the numbers and find out.

At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”

That’s because nationally, home values continue to rise. And with mortgage rates still stubbornly high and home prices going up, you may be holding out for prices to fall or trying to time the market for that perfect rate. But here’s the truth: waiting for the right moment could cost you in the long run.

Home Prices Are Still Rising – Just at a More Normal Pace

In most markets, the idea that prices will drop dramatically is wishful thinking. According to the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, industry analysts say prices are projected to keep rising through at least 2029.

While we’re no longer seeing the steep spikes of previous years, experts project a steady and sustainable increase of around 3-4% annually. The good news is that this is a much more normal pace – a welcome sign for hopeful buyers (see graph below):

What This Means for You

While it’s tempting to wait it out for prices or mortgage rates to decline before you buy, here’s what you’ll need to consider if you do.

• Tomorrow’s home prices will be higher than today’s. The longer you wait, the more that purchase price will go up.
• Waiting for the perfect mortgage rate or a price drop may backfire. Even if rates dip slightly, rising home prices could make waiting more expensive.
• Buying now means building equity sooner. Home values are rising, so your investment starts growing as soon as you purchase.

Let’s put real numbers into this equation. If you purchase a $400,000 home today, based on these price forecasts, it’s expected to increase in value by more than $83,000 over the next five years. That’s some serious money back in your pocket instead of being left on the sidelines (see graph below):

Why Aren’t Prices Dropping? It’s All About Supply and Demand

Even though there are more homes for sale right now than at this time last year or even last month, there still aren’t enough of them on the market for all the buyers who want to purchase them. And that puts continued upward pressure on prices. As Redfin puts it:

“Prices will rise at a pace similar to that of the second half of 2024 because we don’t expect there to be enough new inventory to meet demand.”

While every market is different, most areas will continue to see moderate price growth. Some may level off a bit, but a major national drop is not likely.

Bottom Line

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

If you’re debating whether to buy now or wait, remember this: Real estate rewards those who get in the market, not those who try to time it perfectly.

Yes, today’s housing market has challenges. Still, there are ways to make it work —exploring different neighborhoods, considering smaller condos or townhomes, asking your lender about alternative financing, or tapping into down payment assistance programs. The key is making a move when it makes sense for you rather than waiting for a perfect scenario that may never arrive.

Want to see what’s happening with prices in our local market? Whether you’re ready to buy now or just exploring your options, having a plan can set you up for success.

It’s no secret that remote work has surged over the last few years. Flexibility has allowed many people to move—and work—from wherever they want.

But now, a growing number of companies require employees to return to the office, which is leading some people to decide where they live and whether they need to move.

How Return-to-Work Policies Are Impacting Housing

During the rise of remote work, many employees took the opportunity to move away from expensive or crowded city centers. Some opted for suburban neighborhoods and larger homes with yards, while others relocated to more rural areas. Lately, however, more people have been returning to the city.

According to data from Bright MLS, more than half of workers surveyed would have to rethink where they live or deal with long drive times if their job enforced a return-to-office policy (see chart below):

And maybe you’re one of them. If you moved farther out of the city during the work-from-home era, you may face a longer commute than you ever expected to make daily. Once you’ve done it a few times, you might find it’s something you can get used to and isn’t as bad as you may have thought.

But sometimes, it’s just too hard to make it work — no matter how much you try. A drive or train ride that seemed fine once or twice a week can feel like too much of a grind five days in a row. It may also cost too much to commute so often, take too long, or cut into your free time too much. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, notes:

“During the pandemic, when remote work became the norm, homebuyers were able to move farther out . . . But workers do not have the same flexibility that they used to, and some are going to have to make a tough choice if and when their employer calls them back into the office full-time.”

If you’re thinking you may want to move, don’t stress. Talking to an agent can help you weigh your options. Whether looking for a home closer to work, balancing commute time with affordability, or even selling a home in one area to buy in another, having a pro on your side makes the process easier.

Bottom Line

Let’s connect if having to be back in the office has you considering a move. That way, you have an agent to help you determine what’s possible and makes sense for you.

Where do you see yourself living if your commute or work routine needs to change? 

Selling a house involves many moving pieces, and the last thing you want is a deal falling apart due to unexpected repairs uncovered during the buyer’s inspection. That’s why it pays to anticipate potential issues before buyers enter. One way to do that is with a pre-listing inspection.

What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection? 

A pre-listing inspection is essentially a professional home inspection you schedule before putting your house on the market. Just like the inspections your buyer will do after making an offer, this process identifies any issues with the condition of your house that could impact the sale—like structural problems, faulty or outdated HVAC systems, or other essential repairs.

While it’s a great option if you’re someone who doesn’t like surprises, Bankrate explains this may not make sense for all sellers:

“While it can be beneficial for a seller to do, a pre-listing inspection isn’t always necessary. For example, if your home is relatively new and you’ve been the only owner, you’re most likely already aware of any big issues that could impact a sale. But for an older home, a pre-listing inspection can be very insightful and help you get ahead of any potential problems.”

The key is deciding whether the benefits outweigh the costs for your situation. Sometimes, a few hundred dollars now can get you information that’ll save you a lot of time and hassle later on.

Why It May Be Worth Considering in Today’s Market

Buyers are now more cautious about how much money they’re spending. And they want to be sure the home they’re buying is worth the expense. A pre-listing inspection can be your secret weapon in a market like this to ensure your house shows well. Here are just a few ways it can help:

• Gives You Time To Make Repairs: Knowing about issues ahead of time allows you to fix them on your schedule rather than rushing to make repairs when you’re under contract.
• Avoid Surprises During Negotiations: When buyers discover issues during their inspection, it can lead to last-minute negotiations, price reductions, or even a deal falling through. A pre-listing inspection allows you to spot and address problems beforehand so they don’t become last-minute headaches or negotiation roadblocks.
• Sell Your House Faster: According to Rocket Mortgage, if your house is listed in the best shape possible, buyers will have fewer reasons to ask for concessions. That means you should be able to cut down on negotiation timelines and ultimately sell faster.

How Your Agent Will Help

But before you think about reaching out to any inspectors to get something scheduled, be sure to talk to an agent. Your agent can advise you on whether a pre-inspection is worthwhile for your house and the local market because it may not be as crucial if sellers still have most of the negotiation power where you live.

If your agent does recommend moving forward and getting one done, here’s how they’ll support you throughout the process.

• Offer Advice on Prioritizing Repairs: If the inspection uncovers problems, your agent will sit down with you and offer perspective on a sticking point for buyers so you know what to prioritize.
• Knowledge of How to Handle Any Disclosure Requirements: After talking to your agent, you may decide that not all of the repairs are worth it right now. Just be ready to disclose what you’re not tackling. Some states require disclosures as part of a listing—lean on your agent for more information.

Bottom Line

While they’re not required, pre-listing inspections can benefit today’s market. By understanding your home’s condition beforehand, you can take control of the process and make informed decisions about what to fix before you list and what to disclose.

If you skip this step, you may be as surprised as your buyer by what happens during their inspection. And that could leave you scrambling. Would you rather fix issues now or risk trying to save the deal later?

Let’s connect so you can see if this is a step that makes sense in our market.

More people are taking steps to buy a home. And if you’ve been waiting for the right time to move, this may be the sign you’ve been looking for.

For the past few years, many would-be homebuyers have paused their plans. With rising mortgage rates and affordability challenges, buying didn’t seem doable. But now, more of them are getting back out there. That’s because they’re getting used to the fact that this may be the new normal for the market – especially as forecasts show that mortgage rates may be starting to stabilize. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Home buyers seem to be getting over the shock of mortgage rates in the mid- to upper-6% range.”

And that’s good for you and your plans to sell. While there isn’t going to be a big rush of buyers flooding the market all at once, this does mean motivated buyers are re-starting their searches. And here’s the data to prove it.

3 Signs Buyers Are Ready To Make Their Move

1. Mortgage Applications Are on the Rise: According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), mortgage applications are up 37% since the start of the year. That’s a big jump and a sign that more buyers are active lately. Don’t miss out on that. Serious buyers who are getting their finances in order are great potential buyers for your house.

2. Buyer Demand Is Picking Up: The Homebuyer Demand Index from Redfin shows demand is up 3% since late January. While that’s not a huge spike, momentum is building.

3. More Home Showings: ShowingTime data says home showings are up 13% since the beginning of the year. This added foot traffic is exactly what you want to see if you’re about to sell your house. It signals a more serious interest in buying. More buyers out there looking means more potential eyes on your home. And more eyes could translate to more offers.

And chances are, this activity will only pick up from here. We’re headed into the busiest season of the year for housing. Spring is when more people buy or sell than any other time of year. So, now is a great time to list and get in on the action.

Bottom Line

As buyers re-enter the market, you can do the same thing. And the increase in buyer activity is something you’ll want to take advantage of. Let’s connect to ensure your house gets in front of these motivated buyers.

Would you be ready to sell if the right buyer walked through your door tomorrow?